| Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology, and Life Sciences, Vol. 13, Iss. 3, Jul, 2009, pp. 279-288 @2009 Society for Chaos Theory in Psychology & Life Sciences The Butterfly Effect of the "Butterfly Effect" Abstract: The "Butterfly Effect" metaphor states with variance that the flap
of a butterfly's wings in Brazil can cause a tornado in Texas.
This metaphor has become part of the common vernacular of Western culture.
In this paper I discuss the origins of the metaphor, examine its
current usage within popular culture, and present an argument
as to why it is popular. I propose that the metaphor is a
type of semantic attractor, a narrative device with invariant
meaning but audience-specific contextualization. Finally I
address whether the Butterfly Effect metaphor is a good example
of itself. Keywords: Edward Lorenz, chaos theory, sensitive dependence, metaphor, Western culture |